LBJ thinks Pop would be ideal U.S. Olympic coach in 2016

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski appears set as the United States’ Olympic men’s basketball coach as long as he wants it, heading into his appearance with the American team this summer in London.

Krzyzewski’s motives were seen by most basketball people as being above the petty politics that are rumored to be associated with the sport at the national level. He cemented his reputation by winning the gold in Beijing in 2008 after the United States settled for bronze in 2004.

Krzyzewski will be 69 for the 2016 games in Brazil. He’s given no indication he wants to continue directing the team past the upcoming games.

Miami All-Star forward LeBron James has a suggestion who should replace Krzyzewski if he choose to leave the Olympic team: Gregg Popovich.

Popovich was an assistant on the 2004 Olympic team. And he’s given no indication he wants to return to directing the United States team if he was asked.

But James said that Popovich’s coaching legacy speaks for itself.

“Absolutely,” James told FOX Sports Florida about that possibility. “He knows the game. He knows the players. And he’s coached enough stars at San Antonio. I think he’d be great (as Olympic coach). If Coach K decides he doesn’t want to do it any more, I think Coach Popovich would be a great candidate. His resume speaks for itself.”

Popovich, who would be 67 for the 2016 games, deflected James’ endorsement.

“I don’t even think about stuff like that,” Popovich said before the Spurs’ 120-98 loss to the Heat last night. “I just worry about tonight.”

Some believe that Popovich plans a life of leisure in the next few years after he leaves coaching. But leading the American team to a gold medal would be a crowning achievement added to Popovich’s certain Hall of Fame career that already includes four NBA titles.